Port of Antwerp-Bruges closed 2025 with a record year for the reefer segment, with the port handling 1,170,394 TEU of reefer containers, the highest volume ever recorded. The growth is primarily driven by a 13.5% increase in import volumes.

Export volumes of reefer containers remain largely stable (0.9%) and represent 35% of the total volume.

Transhipment decreased slightly (-4.4%) due to changes in carrier shipping schedules. In total, nearly one in ten containers arriving at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a fully operational reefer container, underlining the importance of the cold chain to the port.

Conventional refrigerated transport shows a strong annual growth of 4.9%. While imports show a slight decline (-0.7%), exports of conventional refrigerated goods exhibit a significant increase (+52.5%).

Approximately 90% of reefer imports consist of fresh products, including fruit, vegetables, and meat/fish.

Most of these goods originate from Latin America. Panama recorded strong growth this year (+122.8%), while imports from South Africa also increased significantly (+36.2%).

In terms of exports, the United States remains the most important destination. Exports of fruit and vegetables to Egypt rose sharply (+206.7%). Morocco shows remarkable growth, both as a country of origin and as a destination. In contrast, Ecuador recorded a decline in import volume (-21.8%) and a decrease in exports to Russia (-25.4%).

Exports from Europe, mainly Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France, consist primarily of frozen products shipped to various destinations across multiple continents.

Tineke Van de Voorde, Key Account Manager at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, stated that the fact that nearly one in ten containers arriving at the port is a fully operational reefer shows how crucial temperature-controlled logistics has become Today.